Category Archives: World War II Letters

Replacing the Furnace (Gladys)

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August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

Mr. L came out this evening and after looking over the heating plant said flatly he would install everything complete and wouldn’t miss $200.00 over $10.00 either way. That includes one 270 gal. tank – the same size Statons have – and wiring – everything – He said it wouldn’t take but a day to make the change over. He was in Chicago Mon. and the Delco people said he could get all necessary equipment in Oct. so he said he could have it all installed by Nov. 1. I told him I would let you know and then I would give him an answer. Shall I have them go ahead and start the process to make the change?

After Lucile Burgee left I finished my afternoon letter and took it to the P.O. John Parr said air mail should be here or there in two days. Since no mail has come this week I am wondering if you are sending them air mail.

I went over to Statons to borrow some mouse traps this evening. I didn’t

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] ask Link directly about what he had said he would do, but he was rather evasive about anything. I wonder if he could do anything or not. I am rather doubtful.

I talked to Blanchard this morning when I bought some gas. He said I should do something, but I said I thought other people should. I have been waiting to hear from you and no letters.

We got the back yard furnace all cleaned out and if we can find a grate will be able to have some picnics in our back yard. We could have wiener roasts without a grate.

The Jr. Woman’s Club called for your address for forwarding the Digest and they will have it sent here and I’ll forward it. The latest Rotarian came and I looked up the International Officers to find Uncle Wes. Treas. You had told me.

I must write to Jim. He picks up mail when they hit a port. Said he had a letter from me the last time they stopped.

Fri. a.m. Yours sent by air mail Aug. 22 came today the 24^th so please use air mail – this is the first letter we have rec’d from you. Had a letter from Dolores. She has been transferred and said she didn’t know anything. She isn’t in the same bldg. and doesn’t know anyone personally where she used to be. She says so many changes had to be made so quickly she doesn’t think you will go “out” again.

August 23, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] John has started a fire this morning. We didn’t watch it closely enough yesterday and it went out. I will be so glad to be rid of that firing business along with all the dirt involved.

I do hope you get to take a draft to Great Lakes. Just wish they would do something about releasing. Surely something will start before long.

The account of Maybelle Tower’s wedding was in the paper this week. Last Sun. we were at Johnson’s and I saw Rev. Servies drive by, going home, and I just wondered if he had been to a wedding. Maybelle was married to the band instructor. When John & Mark went over to register, John asked about seeing the band teacher and the office girl said he would be away for a while. John thinks he wants to play the oboe again. I think it will be a good thing for him to be in the band. He didn’t get to talk to Gertrude Wed., but she said she would see him today. He wants to take organ lessons from her. I saw

August 23, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Rev. Servies yesterday and he said he thought it would be a good thing for John to take lessons so he can help at church when they may need him.

David is playing with Betty Zell this morning in their sand pile. Last night when Chet Loughridge was here I had gone to the basement with him to show him the furnace and I heard David at the front door calling for me. I didn’t want to go up so called for John to go help him – by the time John got to him it was too late – John came down & asked me if I could come – I said “take his clothes off and give him a bath” – well he didn’t want to argue with me in front of someone so he took care of David. However, he undressed him in the bathroom downstairs and left the mess there and took him up to the tub to bathe him. I think he used yards of toilet paper to clean him off, from the looks of the toilet. He told David this morning he was “bachie” last night. David can let himself out the front door but can’t get in. We had corn day before yesterday and it was too laxative for David. I am not going to cook any more. I am enclosing some “stuff” from Meade.

Love Mother

Enclosed letter from Mead Johnson & Company, dated June 9, 1945

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/15/replacing-the-furnace-gladys/

Corona Draft (Roscoe)

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August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 22, 1945 [sic Aug. 23]
USN Receiving H.
San Fran. (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

This will have to be short – since I have the duty and am writing between phone calls, etc.

There was a paper out today for us to sign with the number of points we have at present, etc., so maybe something will turn up.

I’m to go on a draft with patients to Corona California on Monday – it is a 12 to 14 hour trip down the state – hope I can get due east one of these days –

Well, will write more tomorrow.
Love Daddy

P.S. I’m off tomorrow PM so maybe can write more

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/14/corona-draft-roscoe/

News About Releases (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

No mail so far from you or from Dolores. Had two letters from Jim today – one written Aug. 1 & 15. He said we could guess from his address in what area he is. Had a card from Arlene. They are coming back Sun. She sent me a card with a picture of the 500 Bushel Club, Lake Gogebic, Marinesco, Mich. That is the lodge they own. Quite an impressive looking place.

So far the Loughridges haven’t given me any figure on the oil burner, but I called Chet this a.m. and he promised it by this afternoon. I went to town this morning and got the lawn mower. It is in good “cuttin’” shape now. Mark moved the backyard again for the 3^rd time in a week without a protest. We finally got all the weeds out and everyone agrees the yard looks much better. Mark is nailing the holes shut in the garage to keep the mice out of the attic.

Mrs. Roberts was here for a few minutes yesterday. Joe doesn’t have any idea

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] as to when he will get home. Earl is still across, somewhere in France and wants his wife to join him if possible. We are still listening to the news to get any “info” about releases, but nothing we are vitally interested in has been said. Jim says he figures to be in for quite a while yet.

David is taking a nice long nap. It’s cool today so he sleeps well. John received, I think, about $9.00 for his birthday. We had the Zell girls & Jimmy come over for ice cream & cake. He said he was well pleased with money for gifts. In fact said that was the nicest gift he knew of. The Zells are away today so Jimmy is hanging around with Mark. David & Jimmy like to play together – and with the Zell girls too.

—Had a caller – Lucile Burgee with her little girl – Karen Sue – Gerhard is in France – doesn’t know when he will get to come home.

I’ll have to hurry if I get this in the mail before the P.O. closes. I didn’t get any word from the Loughridges – so if I don’t hear from them tomorrow I am not going to bother them anymore. Evidently they aren’t interest. I saw Harold Portteus this morning – he said he hadn’t sent that night letter yet but thought he might get it out tonight.

It’s about time for Mark to come in from his paper route so will get this finished.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/13/news-about-releases-gladys/

Cold in San Francisco (Roscoe)

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August 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 22, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 22, 1945
USNRH
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

I see by the date that this is John’s birthday. Hope he got the little present I sent him.

I’m writing this shortly after noon day chow – so I can mail it as I leave at 4:30 although I could come back at night since we live only on the hill and the P.O. is not far away.

Before I forget – I wish you would mail my gold braid and the two gold buttons from that cap I have at home. I couldn’t

August 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] wear blues or whites either since I don’t have that for my white cap cover. I don’t plan on going anyplace but when it comes my time to go on the draft I’ll have to wear blues I suppose. So send them right away. Just take off that gold band on the cap bill and the two gold buttons on the side. If they will you might air mail them. Then later when you have more time you had better send those khaki pants and that shirt because if I have to go out I’ll have to have them. These grays will not do any good since they have to be dry

August 22, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] cleaned. If I remember that pair of pants & shirt were pretty dirty – just throw them in the bendix and don’t press them, at least not the pants. There is a laundry on the base here with pretty good service so I can have them done here.

I thought I was going to the show last night but we got in a draft of patients and that was off but maybe I can go tonight – The show is “Cabin in the Sky” with Rochester & Ethel Waters – Maybe that will help pass the time. I started reading the “Case of the Sleep Walker’s Niece” by E. Stanley Gardner last

August 22, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] night and just got to the first murder when it was time to turn in.

I haven’t received any mail as yet but hardly expected any since you possibly didn’t write since before Mon. Tue. morning.

It has been so cold here – seems like the middle of winter – about 10:00 PM the fog comes in and from then on until morning one nearly freezes. We have a gas heater in each room and believe me it feels good to have that on before going to bed and in the AM. I just turned the heat off in my office a short time ago – must stop –

Lots of Love
Daddy

You can download a copy the book The Case of the Sleepwalker’s Niece here, a Perry Mason mystery which was adapted into an episode of the show in 1957.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/12/cold-in-san-francisco-roscoe/

John’s Fifteenth Birthday (Gladys)

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August 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

8-22-45

August 22, 1945, p. 1

Dear Daddy –

Wed. a.m. and John’s birthday. Your gift to John came in the mail along with a letter from Uncle Wes. And the radio tube which doesn’t help the radio. Also a card from Clingenpeel – he is coming to tune the piano the 28^th. John has an appointment with Dr. Ade the 28^th – so I’ll have to send John down on the bus – however, his appoint isn’t until 3 PM so I don’t know yet what I’ll do. I don’t care to make the trip – don’t like the idea of tire trouble between here & there. Uncle Wes said they were going to C.C. in Sept. I am going to ask them to bring those evergreens back if they will have room.

We got 20 qts. of beans canned yesterday in the pressure cooker. I took the last four off at about 8:30 – also put 6 qts. peaches in the locker. There are some ready to put in today. The peaches are very nice. I wanted to get another bu. To cold pack, but John says to put more in the locker. We heard yesterday that the point value would be reduced about 2/3 on beef & veal – in Sept. and possibly taken off a little later. Mrs. Zell gave me about 180 pts. Monday. We have had hamburger & have a steak put back.

August 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I haven’t contacted Loughridge yet, but intend to before mailing this.

John wants a choc. cake with choc. frosting for today. He was looking for ice cream receipts but decided to buy some.

Traffic has stopped up on 41 noticeably. Ed took John out Sun. afternoon for about an hour. He said he did fine. I had John run the car in the driveway last night – I had backed it out so the coal truck could back in – Chet sent some black yesterday. Its holds heat – I mean fire better.

Mark is to take a music lesson this a.m. at 10 – Gertrude said she thought John should go into Chicago somewhere for lessons. I want to talk to her today. I called her yesterday and made Mark’s appointment.

The Koon’s took the Statons to play golf yesterday. Mrs. K. said she would come out and pay the rent today. I hope she does – it will save me getting a ck. cashed. Irene is still having trouble with her left foot. She said the only help she could get is to play golf – getting up a good ‘sweat.” She is going to a specialist in Chicago for diagnosis.

David is being a little unhappy about something – keeps wanting money – but he looses it and I told him he couldn’t have any more.

– 3 p.m. I have tried to contact Loughridge, but have had no success. Should I try Sears for an estimate? I don’t like to deal with people who don’t care enough about business to go after it. We are having ice cream & cake for the neighbor children.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/11/johns-fifteenth-birthday-gladys/

One Ward (Roscoe)

1 Reply

August 21, 1945

Letter transcription:

August 21, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 21, 1945
U.S. Navy Receiving Hosp.
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this in the PM while on the ward. I have one ward assigned to me at present with plenty of patients but they don’t stay long. It seems the ships dump them here and then they are screened and sent to hospitals nearer home so most of the work is routine.

A draft of patients come in and another our very frequently. The Drs. have to take their turns in going with the drafts – Hope mine is to Great Lakes. I think I could manage a day or two home that way. One Dr. I know has

August 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] been here about one week and he is taking a draft to Klamath Oregon. I’ll let you know when and if I take one of those trips.

There was an ALNAV from the Bureau which states that medical and dental officers are excluded from the point system so that is that. I do believe, however, that they will start discharging before long and I also feel that I’m not going back out. That last feeling is due to the fact that there are several here who have been out and they have been here for some time but of course in the navy one never knows.

There was also an ALNAV for promotions but so far as I can figure it came within two months of me so I’ll always

August 21, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] remain two stripes that is until I become a civilian, at least I’ll get the mustering out pay that way.

This isn’t what one would call splendid duty but it is doing something to get the boys back and nearer their homes. Maybe it could be done by someone else but at least it is something.

I’m writing this on this paper and with mailing it in this envelope – don’t know if 8₵ will take it or not. I’ll write some regular and see if it makes any difference – if not I’ll not spend the 8₵.

There is a show on the grounds every night and there is a reading

August 21, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] room so I doubt if I get out much to go downtown – there is no percentage in that as I see it but maybe after I’m here a while I’ll just have to get away if it’s only a sigh seeing trip.

I haven’t started writing letters to anyone else as yet but may one of these days. I noticed an Acey Ducey board at the B.O.Q so maybe I can find someone to play with. The B.O.Q. we are in now is only temporary. We are supposed to move into some new quarters one of these days.

I’m afraid to write more now. It might weigh too much – so
Lots of Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/10/one-ward-roscoe/

Vaccination Certificate

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: August 21, 1945 envelope front

: August 21, 1945 envelope back

Letter transcription:

August 21, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 21, 1945

Dr. Yegerlehner,

Would you be kind enough to write a note or a vaccination certificate for Madelyne and Francis Jr. as Madelyne is entering school Sept. 6^th and it is imperative I have some notification that she has been vaccinated. If possible would you make out separate notes. I hate to bother you for this. The date was sometime last Aug.

How is Gladys and all the children?

I sure miss Missouri and would love to be back there. Mont is stationed on Guam and is anxious to get home and see his new little daughter. She’ll be 3 months old tomorrow and just as sweet as can be.

Would love to hear from you

August 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] people, we did have some very nice times together.

Hope to hear from you soon
Thanking you Sincerely
Madelyne Moynihan
19 Mr. Vernon St.
Somerville Mass.

P.S. If you do get a chance drop a note to Mont he would love to hear from you. His address is:

Lt. Francis C. Moynihan U.S.N.R.
Staff Air Pac – Sub Com Fwd
℅ F.P.O.
San Francisco,
California Box 24

Cleaning up the yard (Gladys)

2 Replies

August 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 21, 1945, p. 1

8-21-45

Dear Daddy –

We worked in the yard yesterday afternoon – I wanted to be in the house after 6 PM in case your call came thru early we wouldn’t miss it – however we figured it wouldn’t come before 8 PM. I weeded the large flower bed on the west side of the back yard. I got two or three bu. of weeds. Mark mowed the back yard and we got it raked – John & I cleaned off the terrace – so the back yard is looking much better. Mark kept at the east side until he got it conquered. John helped me weed and we got the evergreens and iris cleaned out. We got the yard all raked where it was overgrown and it looks pretty good all over now. There is just a little more weeding to do around in spots, but the biggest jobs are done. My arms ached so last night, but I feel pretty good this a.m. Got a bu. Of peaches yesterday but couldn’t put them all in the locker (4 qts.) because they weren’t ripe enough. I will prepare today what has ripened since yesterday. It won’t be so hard this way. I ordered a bu. of green beans for today but that isn’t hard work. Since the yard is under control I can now work in the house with undivided attention.

August 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I asked Link about this strip of ground east of our lawn and told him we wanted to put a hedge along our east side – he said we could put it out as far as we liked because there will be 60 ft. between our lot and the new highway if it goes thru. However I won’t do anything about that until later in the fall – hoping I’ll have “good help” by then.

I called Loughridge yesterday and I think they wanted to see what they could get before giving an estimate and promised it by Wed. I went down to the Lbr. Co. yesterday to see about coal and Chet promised to send out 500 lbs. but must have forgotten it. We had enough coal to keep the fire going. John has been very good about firing. J. & M. went over to school yesterday & registered. They didn’t see Smith but the office girl was there. They didn’t know her (not Mary McCray) and John wasn’t at all pleased about the changes Smith has made. He can write you all about it.

There was no mail this morning so didn’t hear from the niece. Maybe we will soon.

I got David three pr. sox in Laf. Fri. Yesterday in emptying the den waste basket I found them. I think David had put them there. He is really having a grand time. So far hasn’t left the yards – is usually where I can see him. He likes to play in Zell’s sand box.

After talking to you last night, I thought I might have sounded a little odd, but I had dropped off to sleep waiting and wasn’t as alert as I should have been. We miss you.

Love Mother

August 21, 1945, p. 3

P.S. Harold Portteus called just a few minutes ago – He said the letter Dr. Horton wrote for Jim had been lost and he needs a new letter. They can’t locate Horton can wonder if you can write one for Jim. I told Harold to send you a night letter and he said the Draft Bd. Here would write you he thought, but he wanted to let you know in advance what it is all about. The man who brought the green beans is Mr. Illingsworth (Mrs. McG.’s dad). He also gave us enough corn for today. He had tomatoes to sell, but I am afraid to work with them.

August 21, 1945, p. 4

Navy Receiving Hospital (Roscoe)

4 Replies

August 20, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 20, 1945, p. 1

Navy Receiving Hosp.
San Francisco (12) Calif.
Aug. 20

Dear Mother,

I’m here but can’t give any further word than that at the moment. It is now approximately 6 PM, and I’m about ready to make my phone call. I haven’t signed in as yet because I didn’t get my bags with my orders, etc., until a short time ago, and of course, couldn’t do that until I had all those.

The hospital is within San Francisco itself, I would say about 50 blocks from downtown. There are several

August 20, 1945. p. 2

[page 2] fellows here just like me and all wondering what is going on. Many of them have been out of the country and I understand the point system don’t apply to medical men. That last isn’t official but I’ll find out in the AM.

Francis Kenney is here waiting also. Right at present he is gone on temporary duty with a draft of men to Virginia but will be back in a few days.

I met an officer whose

August 20, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] wife lives in Springfield, Ill., and we more or less “palled” on the train. He knew some body in the main office here and he called and found where the hospital was so all I had to do was hop a street car and come out.

This is just a new place and they are providing quarters for the officers so it looks as if all I have to pay is .25 per meal per day and rent free – but I imagine there will be some sort of a laundry charge later on.

The fog of the bay is now

August 20, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] drifting in and it seems the cool of the evening is upon us, but there is a gas burner in the room and things should be OK.

I don’t know where I’ll find a phone nor do I know where to mail this and I don’t have any air mail stamps. You know all my troubles now so I’ll try to mail this and find a phone and write more tomorrow –

Love Daddy